How To Pay For Drinks On Emerald Cruises: What Emerald Cruises Guests Should Know for 2026
Let's clear up paying for drinks onboard with what Emerald Cruises actually publishes, not guesswork.
Drinks outside a package post to your onboard account, and if you're weighing whether to prepay instead, here's the package structure: Gratuities are included in Emerald's fare, along with complimentary drinks with meals, bicycles, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment - a genuinely all-inclusive package.
Since paying for drinks onboard can vary by cabin category and sail date, an advisor at +1-800-406-8495 can confirm exactly what applies to your booking. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for drinks on Emerald?
Drinks are charged to your onboard account, which is linked to a credit card (or cash deposit) when you check in - you'll sign for each purchase and the full balance settles automatically at the end of the cruise. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Can I use cash to pay for drinks onboard?
Most ships are largely cashless for onboard purchases, though some allow a cash deposit to fund your onboard account instead of a credit card. This can also depend on whether you're sailing during a promotional period, when packages are sometimes discounted or bundled with other perks. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Is gratuity automatically added to drink purchases?
Yes, most lines automatically add an 18% service charge to each drink purchase in addition to any daily gratuity charge on your account. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Can I set a spending limit on my onboard account?
Some lines let you set alerts or limits through the app, though a hard spending cap isn't standard across all cruise lines - check your specific line's account settings. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Do drink package holders still need to pay per drink?
No, package holders simply present their card or wristband at the bar - the package covers included drinks up to the package's price ceiling, with no separate charge. Pricing for packages tends to be updated periodically, so confirming the current rate before your cruise avoids surprises at checkout. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Who can explain the drink pricing on Emerald before I sail?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can walk through current à la carte and package pricing. Comparing the package cost against your expected daily consumption is the most reliable way to know if it's worth it for your trip. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Do I need cash onboard to pay for drinks?
No, cruise ships operate on a cashless system where drinks and other purchases are charged to your onboard account, tied to a credit card or cash deposit set up at check-in. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Can I set a spending limit for drinks on my Emerald onboard account?
Some lines allow you to set a spending cap or alert on your onboard account, which can help manage costs if you're not on an unlimited drink package. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
How do I know how much I've spent on drinks so far?
Most cruise line apps let you check your real-time onboard account balance, including itemized drink purchases, throughout the cruise. It's worth asking whether a package needs to be purchased before boarding to lock in a lower rate versus buying it once onboard. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Can I split a drink tab with someone else in a different cabin?
Generally no, each onboard account is tied to an individual guest's cabin folio, so purchases are charged to whoever ordered, though some lines allow linking accounts for a shared family tab. Comparing the package cost against your expected daily consumption is the most reliable way to know if it's worth it for your trip. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.